My wife finally agreed to me using my oak oil Forte IIs as long as they are not in the way (big, ugly speakers in her opinion). I bought them new in 1995 and have had them in air conditioned storage since 2002 in the original boxes. I had to make a concession though. She is not fond of the oak oil finish and has said "They better be black". Naturally I have a couple of questions.
Is there a way to give them an attractive black finish without ruining the oak oil underneath?
I plan on using Crites crossovers/upgrades and ultimately biamping the speakers with tubes on top and SS on the woofer in a 2 channel system, but this will be gradual as money permits. what equipment do you recommend (source, preamp, amps etc) keeping in mind I want that magnificent warm and clear sound and enough bass to punch you in the gut and rattle kitchen cabinets? I remember being amazed hearing a set on an ADCOM GFA 555II, but I want speaker protection and something better, all at a reasonable price. Hopefully, I am not asking too much.
Thank you.